Charging Parallel Batteries with onboard isolator????

[bighermHK45]

Okay, I have a deep cycle battery dedicated for engine cranking. And I will have 2 deep cycle batteries hooked in parallel for my trolling motor (12 volt).

I have a multi battery isolator hooked up already and it has been working well charging the single TM battery. But now since I am hooking up another TM battery in parallel, I need to know if the isolator will still charge both batteries?

I am up for suggestions and anyone's experiences (good or bad).

My goal: Have longer battery usage for my trolling motor and the ability to charge both batteries when operating engine.

Thanks

d1

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Charging Parallel Batteries with onboard isolator????

Yes, the isolator does not know that you added another battery if that battery is in parallel. I have mine setup the same way using a ACR (automatic charging relay) and two group 29 deepcycles for my TM. You could put a dozen batteries in parallel and it would still charge the same. I have two buss bars located at my console and hook the charger up there. Mine all charge like champs. I've been using the heck out of them lately and haven't had a single problem.

The only time I felt I might have a problem was when I put two Optima Blue Tops in parrallel for the TM and had a standard battery as my starter. It just didn't seem to be charging correctly so I switched back to two of the new Interstate 200 cycle Group 29 Deep Cycles and then I started seeing a normal charge cycle. It didn't make a lot of sense to me why that was happening with the Optima's but it was and isn't now.

 

[bighermHK45]

Re: Charging Parallel Batteries with onboard isolator????

What model ACR are you using? I am thinking about replacing the isolator. Thanks for the reply by the way.

d1